Plumeria: How To Grow and Care with Success

When to Plant Plumeria?

Plumeria is a tropical plant sensitive to cold, so it’s best to plant it during the warm months when temperatures consistently stay above 50°F (10°C). In tropical and subtropical regions, Plumeria can be planted year-round. However, in colder climates, it’s ideal to plant in late spring or early summer once the soil has sufficiently warmed up. This allows the plant to establish roots and begin its growth cycle without the risk of frost.

In colder climates, Plumeria can be started indoors and moved outside when it’s warm enough.

Where to Plant Plumeria?

Temperature

• Plumeria perform well in USDA Zones 10-12. They do not tolerate cold temperatures. A short cold snap as low as 40°F or 4°C is the limit for these plants. Any parts of the plant exposed to freezing temperatures will die. Not sure about your growing zone? Check here.
• Ideally, Plumeria should be located where the temperature remains between 65-80°F (18-27°C) most of the time.
• If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), the plant will drop its leaves and go dormant.

Light

• They are easily grown in full sun. To bloom profusely, they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct or nearly direct sunlight.
• In hot areas, where temperatures reach 100°F (37°C) or more, provide some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves and flowers from burning.
• Indoors, they require very bright light to bloom well. The best exposure is a sunny western or southern exposure with at least 4-6 hours of bright, direct light.

Soil and Drainage

• Plumeria thrive in porous and well-drained yet retentive soil to meet the plant’s water needs.
• A good soil should allow water to soak the rootball quickly. While retaining plenty of moisture for a number of days, it must allow excess water to drain within a few minutes. To ensure your soil drains properly, mix it with some perlite or sand.

Placement

• Plumeria plants add an exotic touch to foundation plantings and shrub borders. They make terrific accent or specimen plants and can be grown in containers, bringing color to patios and decks.

How to Plant Plumeria?

Location and Spacing

• Distance from Structures: Plant your Plumeria at least 4 feet (120 cm) away from any house or structure. This prevents it from being exposed to heat radiating from walls and keeps it from leaning toward light, which could result in dangerous growth angles.
• Spacing Between Plants: If planting multiple Plumerias, ensure they are spaced 10 to 20 feet apart (3-6 m) to give their roots adequate space to grow and avoid overcrowding.

Planting

• Hole Depth: Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and deep enough for the stem to be just at the soil surface. If needed, adjust the depth by adding backfill soil to achieve the proper height.
• Setting the Plant: Place the Plumeria in the hole with its stem just at the soil surface. Ensure the plant is straight and well-supported before backfilling the hole with soil.
• Watering: After planting, water well around the plant to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around the roots.
• Mulching: Spread decomposed mulch around the plant after planting. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and add organic matter, which can protect the roots during winter months.

Plumeria Care

Water and Moisture

• Water your Plumeria regularly, especially when in bloom, ensuring weekly watering during the growing season.
• Check the top inch of soil before watering; if it’s dry, water the plant.
• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
• Signs of improper watering include droopy leaves, which are caused by either too little or too much water.
• When Plumeria enters dormancy or is first rooting, stop watering entirely until new growth begins.

Fertilizer

• Plumerias are heavy feeders and thrive with regular fertilization.
• Use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to promote vibrant blooms.
• Ensure moderate potassium for a strong and healthy plant, but limit nitrogen to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
• Fertilize every two weeks or at least once a month during the active growing season (April-August).
• Include important nutrients like iron, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, and other micronutrients.
• Add 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt per gallon of water to provide necessary magnesium during feeding or watering sessions.
• Do not fertilize during the dormant season in winter.

Pruning

• Pruning is generally unnecessary, but if needed, prune lightly in early spring before deciduous varieties leaf out.
• Cut back branches by one-third, ensuring cuts are made at a branch junction or fork.
• Minimize pruning, as excessive wounds can lead to rot.
• Mature Plumeria plants do not tolerate drastic pruning well, so avoid major renovations.

Potting / Repotting

• When to Repot: Repot your Plumeria every 2-3 years during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Avoid repotting during the dormant winter months when the plant is not actively producing new growth.
• Choosing the Pot: Select a pot that is 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) larger in diameter than the previous one. Ensure that it has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, as Plumeria roots are susceptible to rot if waterlogged.
• Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is porous and contains a mix of sand or perlite to improve drainage. A succulent or cactus mix is ideal for Plumeria, ensuring it retains moisture but still allows for proper airflow to the roots.
• Steps:
  • Gently remove the Plumeria from its current pot by loosening the soil around the edges.
  • Check the roots for any signs of rot or damage and trim them if necessary.
  • Place the Plumeria in the new pot, ensuring the base of the plant is at the same level as before.
  • Fill in with fresh soil, pressing down lightly to eliminate air pockets.
  • Water thoroughly after repotting, but allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again to prevent overwatering.
• Aftercare: Avoid fertilizing immediately after repotting. Allow the plant a few weeks to adjust to its new pot before resuming regular fertilization. Keep the plant in a warm, bright spot but protect it from direct harsh sunlight for a few days to reduce transplant shock.

How to Propagate Plumeria

Plumeria can be propagated through two main methods: cuttings and seeds. Cuttings are the most common and reliable way to propagate Plumeria, as it ensures that the new plant will be identical to the parent.

Propagating from Cuttings

• Best Time to Take Cuttings: The ideal time to take Plumeria cuttings is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

• Select a Healthy Stem: Choose a healthy, firm stem that is at least 12 inches (30 cm) long. Make sure the cutting is disease-free and free of pests.
• Make the Cut: Using a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears, cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node.
• Let the Cutting Dry: Allow the cutting to dry for 1-2 weeks in a shaded, well-ventilated area. This will help the cut end callous over, reducing the risk of rot.
• Prepare the Pot and Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix, such as a cactus or succulent mix. Place the cutting about 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) deep into the soil.
• Water Sparingly: Water the cutting lightly after planting, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering can cause the cutting to rot.
• Provide Warmth and Light: Place the cutting in a warm, sunny location. It will need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to encourage rooting.
• Wait for Roots: Roots should begin to develop within 4-6 weeks. Gently tug on the cutting to check for resistance, which indicates rooting.

Propagating from Seeds

• Collect Seeds: Plumeria seeds can be collected from seed pods that develop after the plant flowers. Allow the seed pods to dry and split naturally on the plant before collecting the seeds.
• Prepare the Seeds: Soak the seeds in water for a few hours before planting to help with germination.
• Plant the Seeds: Plant seeds in a shallow container with well-draining soil. Space them out and cover lightly with soil.
• Water and Light: Mist the soil lightly and place the container in a warm, sunny location. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Germination Time: Seeds typically germinate within 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.

Aftercare

• Transplanting: Once your propagated Plumeria cuttings or seedlings have established strong roots and new growth, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden if conditions allow.
• Patience is Key: Plumeria cuttings may take several months to produce flowers, and seedlings may take a few years to bloom. Proper care and patience will yield beautiful blooms in time.

Plumeria Common Problems

Root rot

• Cause: Overwatering or poorly draining soil.
• Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, mushy roots, or plant collapse.
• Solution: Use well-draining soil, water sparingly, and ensure containers have proper drainage. Let the soil dry out between watering sessions.

Rust

• Causes: Rust is caused by fungal spores that thrive in warm, humid conditions, typically affecting Plumeria leaves when the environment is overly moist and airflow is restricted.
• Symptoms: The primary symptom is the presence of reddish-orange pustules on the underside of leaves. These pustules can spread rapidly if left untreated.
• Solutions: Carefully remove and dispose of infected leaves to prevent further spread. Apply a fungicide containing bayleton, benomyl, or oxycarboxin, or use a broad-spectrum fungicide as directed.

Powdery mildew

• Causes: Powdery mildew is caused by fungal pathogens that spread in humid environments with poor air circulation, particularly during periods of warmth and moisture.
• Symptoms: The disease manifests as a white or grayish powdery coating on the surface of leaves. This mold can reduce photosynthesis and weaken the plant over time.
• Solutions: Increase air circulation around the plant by spacing it out properly. Apply a broad-spectrum fungicide to treat the affected areas and prevent further infection.

Black sooty mold

• Causes: Black sooty mold develops as a secondary issue due to the presence of sap-sucking insects like aphids, whiteflies, or scale insects, which secrete honeydew that the mold thrives on.
• Symptoms: A black, soot-like mold appears on leaves and stems, covering the surface and interfering with the plant’s ability to photosynthesize.
• Solutions: Address the underlying pest problem by treating the plant for sap-sucking insects using insecticidal soap or systemic insecticides. Once the pests are managed, clean the moldy areas and use a broad-spectrum fungicide to prevent reoccurrence.

Pests

• Spider mites: small sucking spider-like insects causing pale, mottled, and yellowish leaves. Carefully remove infected leaves. Spray all existing leaves clean with a water hose / use Malathion, Orthene, or insecticidal soap.
• Whiteflies: small sucking white flies on the backside of leaves causing leaf yellowing and molting. Carefully remove infected leaves. Spray all affected areas with a water hose / use Malathion, Orthene, or insecticidal soap.
• Thrips: small insects causing flowers not to open or buds to fall off. Use Malathion, Orthene, or insecticidal soap.
• Scale insects: hard, round, shell-like insects causing small spots on stalks, leaves, and tips. Dab with rubbing alcohol-drenched Q-tip / systematic insecticide.
• Mealybugs: insects covered with white powdery wax causing the leaves to grow warped and misshaped. Dab with rubbing alcohol-drenched Q-tip / systematic insecticide.

Nutrient Deficiency

• Cause: Lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Symptoms: Poor growth, yellowing leaves, or reduced flowering.
• Solution: Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer high in phosphorus to promote blooms.

Temperature Sensitivity

• Cause: Exposure to cold temperatures.
• Symptoms: Leaf drop, stem dieback, or plant death.
• Solution: Bring plants indoors or provide frost protection when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Bloom Failure

• Cause: Insufficient sunlight, poor soil, or lack of nutrients.
• Symptoms: Few or no blooms during the growing season.
• Solution: Ensure the plant receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily and provide adequate nutrition with high-phosphorus fertilizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do plumerias need full sun?

Yes, plumerias require full sun to thrive and produce flowers. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, but preferably more. Plumerias grown in areas with less sunlight may still survive but may not bloom as much or produce as vibrant flowers.

What does plumeria smell like?

Plumeria flowers have a sweet and heady fragrance that is often described as floral or tropical. Some people describe the scent as a combination of jasmine, citrus, and gardenia, while others associate it with coconut or vanilla. The fragrance is most intense during the early evening and nighttime hours.

Do plumerias bloom all year?

Plumerias typically have a blooming season during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall. They usually go dormant during the winter months and stop blooming. However, the blooming period can vary depending on the specific cultivar and growing conditions.

Click here to compare all Plumeria varieties